The Institute of Family Studies has completed its fourth year of operation, and government and public demand for input from the Institute is growing beyond its capacity. This report focuses on current operating difficulties as well as on the structure and activities of the Institute. The first section, entitled "Structure and Operations," discusses the enabling legislation; responsible minister; powers, functions, and objectives; board of management and staff; and financial statement. The second section, "Activities and Reports," describes efforts toward community education (information services, family database development, public seminars, staff talks and publications, and Institute publications); coordination of family research in Australia; current research efforts; and advice and evaluation provided for the development of government policy. The last section, "Operational Difficulties," discusses administrative and research problems, the importance of considering impact on families when making government policy, the Institute's statutory independence, redefinitions of the role and functions of the Institute, and proposed amendments to the current enabling legislation. (CB)